Dwight Merkel Sports Complex Art project
David Govedare Art at Dwight Merkel Sports Complex
As a part of improvements at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex, the Spokane Arts Commission and the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation Department commissioned artist David Govedare to enhance the site improvements. Two sculptures have been created 16 feet above ground, with the main body constructed of steel hoops mimicking movement. The sculptures are colorful, banner-like, playful and reflective of light.
The project is a part of the 2007 Bond Issue which was approved by voters with an overwhelming 68% “yes” vote. The $42.9 million 2007 bond issue has funded the construction and development of a variety of aquatics and youth sports projects throughout the City of Spokane. Brand new splash pads were constructed in 15 parks throughout the City, and five new aquatic centers replaced old, leaking swimming pools in parks city-wide (Witter, A.M. Cannon, Liberty, Comstock and Hillyard), with a brand new aquatics center constructed in Shadle Park. In addition to funding from the bond, improvements at the Merkel Complex are being funded by $4 million from the sale of park property that was approved by City voters in 1999 and subsequently held in reserve.
David Govedare has been creating public artworks for the past 35 years, mainly throughout the western United States. His work can be seen throughout Washington State, including the notable piece, The Joy of Running Together, located in Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane. Govedare studied architecture at Hancock College and California Polytechnic School of Architecture where he received an Associate of Arts Degree. He worked for three years as an architectural designer in Santa Barbara before moving to Spokane in 1973. He describes himself as a “visual story teller” celebrating human events, documenting historical passages, and creating mythology in his work.
